Lawrence in Arabia : war, deceit, imperial folly and the making of the modern Middle East / Scott Anderson.

Maps on lining papers.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 543-552) and index.

Playboys in the holy land -- A very unusual type -- Another and another nice thing -- To the last million -- A despicable mess -- The keepers of secrets -- Treachery -- The battle joined -- The man who would be kingmaker -- Neatly in the void -- A mist of deceits -- An audacious scheme -- Aqaba -- Hubris -- To the flame -- A gathering fury -- Solitary pursuits -- Damascus -- Epilogue: Paris.

A narrative chronicle of World War I's Arab Revolt explores the pivotal roles of a small group of adventurers and low-level officers who orchestrated a secret effort to control the Middle East, demonstrating how they instigated jihad against British forces, built an elaborate intelligence ring and forged ties to gain valuable oil concessions.